Women's Basketball: Serbia Defeat China, Advance To Qf

Serbia narrowly defeated China 65 - 63 in the FIBA women's basketball world championship on Tuesday in Istanbul.



Serbia finished runners-up of Group D after collecting their second win at the Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall whereas China came in third. Both teams qualified for the quarterfinal stage.



The game was very tight, especially in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter, which saw numerous lead changes and turnovers.



Serbia was up by 2 with 17 seconds remaining. China had a chance to equalize or take the lead, but guard Xiaojia Chen was unable to convert her shot attempt.



China had gone into the fourth with a 2-point lead thanks to a 7-0 run in the third quarter.



Serbia, had finished the first half, 7 points ahead, 41 – 34, thanks to physical play, which forced China into turnovers.



Chinese small forward Wen Lu scored a game-high 20 points in the losing effort.



Point guard Tamara Radocaj had a team-high 19 points for Serbia. Guard Milica Dabovic added 12 points



Meanwhile, Brazil beat Japan 79 - 56 in the Group A game played in Ankara and advanced to the quarterfinals.



Japan, having lost all three of their matches, have been eliminated.



Undefeated Spain cruised past the Czech Republic, 67 - 43, and finished leaders of Group A. The Czech Republic were runners-up. Both teams advance to the quarterfinals.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara